Grateful for . . .

I know I have already posted this picture, but I just love it and so I am posting it again. If you are new to my blog, there is a video on here of me and this little guy – my nephew Garrett. Today I got to see my other nephew Matthew. I only got to see him for dinner, but it was great to see him. He is a delight. He spent the day with my parents – went to the zoo and saw a movie – and I am told, that he asked my Dad to explain one of the laws of physics (my Dad is quite knowledgeable in math, physics and of course, music). Here is Matthew  having fun with my Mom, and another picture of him below. He is such a handsome boy. I didn’t get to see him for long, it was short, but so great to be able to see him. I also got to see my brother Steve for a little while when he came to pick up his boy. A very nice end to the work day.

I wish I could have tagged along with them at the zoo or the movie, but, I had to finish up a lot of tasks before today’s chemo round – MY LAST ONE!!! Woo-hoo!  I can’t say it will be a ton of fun, but it won’t be bad. I have company. I have two dear friends taking shifts (the babysitting I require). One will pick me up at 7:30 and take me to chemo and stay with me until 1:30 when my other friend arrives. She will stay with me until I am done and take me home (which is sometime between 5 and 6, although lately pretty close to 5, which is much better). I am so grateful for their help. I know it can’t be the most pleasant experience to hang out with me while I am attached to an IV all day and having to watch for reactions that I might have and flag down my nurse stat. But, somehow there is fun involved. Thanks to both, I spend far more time laughing than I would have ever imagined. Thank you so much!

And I am so grateful for my friends and family who stay with me during the days after chemo (I don’t know how I would have made it through the past chemo weekends without you, or this one coming up). And I am so grateful for my friends who have taken me to and from doctors appointments, fixed my cell phone, helped me find a wig before my hair all fell out! (this was sooo key for me :)), grocery shopped, understood when I have lost my cool, brought food, sent cards and emails, stayed with me when I just needed company and called for no reason, and I am grateful for the friend who dropped out of the sky and landed in my lap recently – you know who you are. You have all made each day so much easier for me. There is no way that I could have come this far or have done this well with out your help. I am getting well because of your help.  I feel truly, truly blessed and loved. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

My last chemo is in a few hours. True to form, it is now 5:21 am and I have not slept yet. I am doubtful that I will sleep much before my friend shows up to take me to chemo in just a few hours 🙂  But, it is okay. It is from the steroids I take the day prior to chemo. A normal side affect and all part of getting well. I will probably doze off some tomorrow during the treatment. And, I will certainly get some sleep over the weekend.

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers today.

My nephew Matthew and his puppy Freddy.